AHOY Quacker Cruisers! Only four months before the departure of the Oasis of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale, FL. to the ports of the Eastern Caribbean.

Last December, Bill, I and a group of Cruisin' Quackers took a "preview cruise" on the Oasis of the Seas, with the same itinerary we will be following in October, 2011.  If you read through the cruise information on www.quackercruise.com  there are links that give facts about the October vacation.  It’s a good idea to have some thoughts before you step onboard, because the variety of offerings on this wonderful ship can be awesome.  

Each person vacations with their personal preferences.    Do as much or as little as you please.  I will write about opportunities we had as we sailed the blue Carribbean waters.

The Oasis of the Seas is a very big ship.  Bring comfortable walking shoes.  There is a lot of walking both on the ship and in the ports of call.  Shoes with bounce and cushioning are the first items that go into my suitcase.

Welcome Aboard!
Saturday  October 8, 2011
Every day a "Cruise Compass"  is published and delivered to your stateroom.  This handy guide outlines the day’s activities and programs.  On embarkation day, once on board ship , a lunch is served in the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 16.  The windjammer is a good place to rendevous with quacker friends who have arrived from many places, near and far.  

Would you like to make reservations in the specialty restaurants? The first or second day on ship is a good time to lock-in specialty meals, outside the dining room.  In the "Cruise Compass" daily newsletter, look for the symbol of the dollar sign ($) to see if a charge comes with the reservation.   The cuisine and the atmosphere of the specialty restaurants compares to very fine dining . 

The shows on ship are first rate.  On the first day there will be a "Show Reservations Planning Event".  Check the Cruise Compass newsletter for time and place.  It is also possible to make show reservations prior to boarding.  I’m not sure how to do this. Scott Denny from Cruise Everything is a good contact for any pre boarding help.

Do you have a special event to celebrate?  If you want to enlist the help of the ship events planner, stop by the Guest Services Desk on Deck 5.  The staff can suggest options to help you plan a special time. 


Later in the afternoon on the first day, you can sign up for a ship’s tour.  A guide will be pleased to show off your home for the next seven days.  The ship’s tour is a great way to get an introduction to the main features on the Oasis of the Seas. 

Tea is a bright spot in the afternoon.  Ask the dining room staff when tea is scheduled.  It may not be served everyday.  Tea is one of the best times.  Waiters stroll about with trays of sweets and savories.  Live piano music is played.  Time to relax and chat with people from all over the world.  

If you have a few moments to fill, stop by the library.  Daily sheets of Trivia, Sudoku and Crossword puzzles are available, as well as books and magazines to read. 

Sunday, October 9, 2011  Nassau, Bahamas

7:00am the gangway is available for departure.The Nassau shops on main street are open.  However, it is Sunday.  Banks, government offices and shops off the main town area are closed. 1:30pm, all aboard to leave the Bahamas.

Your cruise will be as busy or as relaxing as you would like.  I have tried to jot down a few of my own interests and thoughts.  In addition to ship’s activities, there will be Quacker Factory events to attend.  There will be quacking and talking all over the place!  Seeing old friends and making new friends is a joy. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!,

Eve

(Please let me hear from you: email me at eve@quackerfactory.com.) I love hearing from others Quackers!